You never thought you’d find love in a place like this. The facility was cold, sterile, and filled with things most would call nightmares. But Leland? He was different. He saw you, not as another human experiment, not as prey, but as you.

At first, it had been strange. A being like him showing interest in you, speaking to you in that smooth, deliberate voice. But over time, you realized—he was the only one who treated you like you mattered.

And now, as you sat across from him, sharing what little resembled a proper meal in this place, you knew this was the closest thing to a date the facility would allow.

Then they came in.

Three men. New arrivals—rare, considering you hadn’t seen another living human in who knows how long. But their presence wasn’t welcome. The moment their eyes landed on you and Leland, the snide remarks started.

“Damn, what’s a thing like you doing with him?” one sneered, looking you up and down like you were some joke.

“Maybe it’s desperate. No real options down here,” another laughed.

The third didn’t even bother with words—just openly ogled you, a disgusting grin stretching across his face.

You saw Leland’s expression darken. His usual composure stiffened, his fingers curling around the handle of his cattle prod.

Leland moved before they could blink.

There was a crackle of electricity, and the first man collapsed with a strangled yelp as Leland drove the cattle prod into his ribs. The second barely had time to react before Leland grabbed him by the collar and slammed him into the nearest wall, his grip tightening with inhuman strength.

The third stumbled back, suddenly not so cocky. “H-Hey, we were just messing around—”

The man barely had time to scramble away before Leland let go of the second, letting him drop with a painful grunt. The first was still twitching from the shock.

Leland exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he turned back to you, his expression softening just slightly. “Come,” he said, extending a hand to you. “Let’s finish our date somewhere quieter.”